Page 55 of Bitterness of Spirit

To Elizabeth, it was apparent that Jane’s affection for Bingley had not diminished in the slightest and that she struggled to restrain her hopes regarding his return. Likewise, she readily noticed that Mr. Bingley’s admiration for Jane remained vivid and that, very likely, Mr. Darcy’s opposition was either gone or kept under good regulation. Darcy’s expression was softer and kinder than she had ever seen him in Hertfordshire. Considering that Mr. Bingley had just returned, Mr. Darcy certainly had no time to change his opinion based on his own observation, so he must have accepted her words and censure over his own beliefs.

Elizabeth secretly applauded and approved of Mr. Wilson’s disgust with Bingley’s indecision. Someone had to tell the gentleman that he must show more determination and self-confidence when his life—and others’—was at stake. But she also admired Mr. Darcy’s intervention in favour of his friend and the elegant reproof he directed towards Mr. Wilson. He showed Elizabeth—and the others who understood his meaning—that he took the blame for Bingley’s leaving Netherfield.

Mr. Darcy was not only a well-educated man, but a bright and apparently honest one. His character had begun to reveal itself to Elizabeth as she read his letter, and it continued to sketch itself through small proofs, making her further repent her unjust reprimand.

“Lizzy, what did you feel seeing Mr. Darcy again? You were so upset when we first met in the park, but yesterday you looked more composed. Are you still angry with him?”

“No, I am not. I confess I feel very uneasy in his company, but I have no reason to be angry—quite the opposite. I mostly wonder why he is not angry with me and why his manners are so much improved. I would be furious if someone were to accuse me so unfairly.”

“Perhaps he knows you had reason to misjudge him, Lizzy.” Jane smiled. “I noticed that his behaviour is very different, indeed—more amiable. It makes me understand how he and Mr. Bingley are such good friends.”

Elizabeth quickly changed the subject. “Mr. Bingley is just as pleasant as I remember him—only more handsome.”

Jane blushed. “Mr. Bingley was always a man beyond reproach. He is just as any young man should be. I wish him nothing but happiness.”

“Well, he looked rather happy yesterday. And I think he will be even happier when he returns for dinner.”

“I wonder if he will bring Louisa and Caroline,” Jane asked.

“I, too, wonder whether he will bring them, but more important: Why did Mr. Wilson invite them? He does not even know them. I am afraid he will not be gentle towards them.”

“Who?’ Jane inquired in a sudden panic.

“Mr. Wilson. I sense he has not forgiven them for their impolite manners towards you and our aunt. They should expect a harsher scolding than Mr. Bingley was given.”

“Lizzy, surely you are joking! I hope you are wrong! I would not want anything to happen that might put Mr. Bingley in an uncomfortable position. He was always very kind to us all.”

“I am joking, Jane; do not distress yourself,” Elizabeth said, willing to put Jane at ease. Yet, she knew Mr. Wilson well enough to suspect her guess was correct. The gentleman seemed to take the entire story of the Bingleys quite personally, likely because his sister had been offended. A dinner with Bingley’s sisters might be entertaining but not peaceful.

Mr. Darcy’s presence at the dinner was something Elizabeth purposely delayed considering. However, she intended to take the opportunity to let him know she did read his letter thoroughly and trusted his information.

***

The same day around noon, Mr. Bennet arrived with his three younger daughters and Sir William. From that moment on, the house was filled with loud voices, cries of admiration, laughter, and even running through the halls. Lydia and Kitty could hardly be kept under control, behaving less properly than the Gardiner children.

Mr. Bennet—tired after the boring journey—ignored them completely and retired to the library almost immediately. He only delayed long enough to embrace his eldest daughters and tell Elizabeth repeatedly how much he missed her.

“Lizzy, I have a surprise for you!” Lydia shouted when they finally decided to stop wandering about the house. “Lord, I am so hungry; these biscuits will not do! I need some meat! I guess there is enough food in such a house! We are staying near the richest people in London. Dear Lord, who would believe it? Kitty, can you believe it? I am sure we will go to some balls and parties too!”

“Lydia, please calm down. We should be careful about our manners, my dear! We do not want to embarrass Mr. Wilson or any guests that might come. And we surely cannot ask more of Mr. Wilson than he generously has offered us already.”

Mary declared, “I do not care about parties and balls. I look forward to searching for some books in the library. And I hope there is a music room too.”

“Then you should have stayed home,” Lydia concluded. “That way we might have had more room in the carriage; we were rather crowded! Thank God, Sir William had his own carriage. He and Maria will return to Meryton in three days. Such bad luck for Maria!”

“Lydia, what surprise did you mean, my dear?” Elizabeth inquired to diminish her sister’s excitement.

“Oh yes, I forgot! Guess what happened with your favourite Mr. Wickham and Mary King? Nothing! Nothing at all! Her uncle took her to live with him and broke up her relationship with Wickham. How fortunate for him! She was such an unpleasant creature! Are you happy? I know you are!”

Elizabeth blushed increasingly with each word as she admitted that, until a few weeks ago, she was no different than Lydia in thoughts and judgement. If such news had come before her visit to Kent, Mr. Wickham might have returned his attention to her. She was frightened and ashamed to imagine such a scenario and to consider where her ignorance and prejudice would have taken her.

“Mr. Wickham’s affairs are of no importance to me—or to you, Lydia. He may do as he pleases. I am sure Mary King’s uncle did what was best for her.”

“Oh, you are such a bore, Lizzy! Of course I care what Wickham does. He is the most handsome man I have ever seen. Do you know that he came to London with us? Lord, we were so crowded; he sat next to Papa and all three of us opposite. I would rather sit by him, but Papa would not allow it!”

Elizabeth felt dizzy. “Mr. Wickham came with you?”

“Yes! We told him we would be in Town for the rest of the Season, and he had some business too, so it was such a lucky coincidence! He said he would call on you! You should be grateful that he is so nice to you, Lizzy!”